PARENTS of a man who died in a house fire are making an emotional return home today.

Travelling back from a trip to Thailand, they will have to return to their burnt-out home where their son lost his life.

Floral tributes were laid outside the front door of the house in Rothesay Terrace, Bedlington, Northumberland, which was the scene of the fatal fire on Sunday night.

One was dedicated “to the funniest and nicest bloke” and another said: “We will miss you. You were one in a million.”

Paramedics fought to save the 38-year-old man in the street outside his smoke-filled home after he was brought out by firefighters.

But he was pronounced dead at Wansbeck General Hospital more than two hours after the fire broke out. He had been in the house alone.

The house was boarded up today after it was the scene of an investigation by the fire service.

Fire chiefs last night said the fire started in the kitchen and that there was no fire alarm in the house.

Following a spate of fire deaths across the region in recent months, officials urged North East homeowners to fit fire alarms.

A preliminary investigation to determine the cause of the fire proved inconclusive, prompting fire chiefs to conduct further tests.

Dave Anderson, group manager, Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We do not have a cause of the fire yet and investigations are ongoing. Our condolences go out to the deceased’s friends and family. The property did not have a proper fire alarm fitted and I would like to try and get the message across that these are needed.

“Also people need to take care in the kitchen because it’s a fire risk area. They also need to make sure keys are available for a rapid exit of the property.”

Chief fire officer Brian Hesler said: “Although we don’t yet know the cause of this tragedy it highlights the importance of making sure you have a working smoke alarm fitted in your home.”

Firefighters forced their way into the building by shattering the windows at both the front and the back of the house.

Neighbours were evacuated from their homes as the blaze gutted most of the property.